3D: Team Maya

Pride radiated through Jonathan’s body like sips of hot tea as he gazed upon Maya’s future home. This milestone in her life thrilled him like a child waiting for Father Winter. Jonathan had special connections with each of his children, and none were more special than the others. But, Maya—his firstborn—always and forever had his heart. She made him a father. The night of her birth was a tedious, dismal night. After learning his missteps and lamenting the Pruett family’s future, he needed a light in the darkness. Maya was that light and drew him out of the pit. She shined brightly on her own throughout her life, and Jonathan—the captain of Team Maya—rooted for her silently on the sidelines as she blossomed in her own time. Now, her life came together exactly how they both imagined.

“So, what do you think?” she asked, gesturing toward the house.

The house was smaller than the Pruett residence and ideal for a young couple beginning a new life. They had more space than they needed but not in excess. The second and third bedrooms could support a growing family for a good 5-10 years before feeling cramped.

The purple door gave the house character and made him smile. “I think it looks just like you two. It’s gonna be perfect when it’s finished.”

Maya unlocked the door, and her squeals echoed through the vacant room. “I haven’t seen it with the new floors and the paint! It looks so good!”

Jonathan wasn’t a fan of light-colored wood, but the house had great potential. Though she did not do much with her childhood bedrooms, he had a keen sense Maya had a latent creative trait lurking beneath the laziness. She’d finally show the world her hidden talent.

“Do you have all the furniture picked out yet?” he asked while lowering himself to the floor.

She joined him. “Just the downstairs.”

“Heh, make the showroom perfect for the party, eh?”

Maya’s head settled on his shoulder; she missed him too. For a moment, she was daddy’s little girl again, and he relished it. But, waxing nostalgic wouldn’t profit much. She needed something—possibly something only he could give her.

“So … You ok? How are you feeling about everything?”

She sighed. “I’m nervous.”

That statement both fascinated and worried him. Maya, the bright light, strutted boldly through the world, tenacious and fierce. Jonathan recalled her hesitancy only a few times, and they were all associated with change. She had concerns about becoming a big sister. She hesitated to break up with her boyfriend. She accepted her last promotion with marked reluctance. Now, starting a new chapter—the longest chapter yet—frayed her nerves despite looking forward to it her whole life.

“It’s such a huge responsibility. I don’t want to disappoint Ranveer.”

He patted her leg. “You’re gonna be just fine.”

“How are you so sure?” she asked, her voice so desperate.

“You always rise to the occasion. True, it may take you a while, but you always get there and blow everyone else out of the water.”

She was so interesting to watch. On one hand, she dripped confidence from every pore. But, she often doubted herself, and he never understood why. It only made him root for her even louder.

“You know I’m totally #TeamMaya, right?”

She giggled. Too much time passed since they laughed together. “You don’t actually say ‘hashtag,’ Daddy.”

“I’m an old man. I say what I want.”

“Ugh, here we go with this old man mess again.”

“I’m serious though. I’ve always been Team Maya. I am the biggest Maya Pruett fan there is!”

She grinned. “Bigger than Ranveer?”

He looked askance. “Ranveer has nothing on me. I’m a Maya Pruett fan from way back! He don’t have that vintage merch like I do. He couldn’t win Maya Pruett trivia night. I was around when you made your first appearance. I know all the hairstyles, all the lingo, all the trends, got all the t-shirts, seen all the videos…oh yeah, I am THE OG Maya Pruett stan!”

Her smile was so brilliant it could power an entire city.

“I believe in you, Maya. Always have, always will. Don’t be hard on yourself. Ranveer is #TeamMaya too, so don’t try to be your mom or anyone else. He’s been around long enough to know what he’s getting into. Trust him.”

“Mom said something similar.”

“She’s a wise woman.”

“I hope you’re right. I hope you’re both right.”